S3, E13: Portrait To Landscape-A Landscape Strategy To Reframe Our Future, Alexandra Steed on Her Ground-Breaking Book, Part 4
S3, E13: Portrait To Landscape-A Landscape Strategy To Reframe Our Future, Alexandra Steed on Her Ground-Breaking Book, Part 4
Alexandra Steed Podcast: Part 4
The ground-breaking author, Alexandra Steed, talks to Jackie De Burca in a series of four podcast episodes that delve deeply into her brilliant book. She has also generously agreed to give away 10 copies of her book. Be sure to enter above.
Listen to Part 1 on this page, Part 2 here and Part 3 on this page
In the final episode of the Constructive Voices series, host Jackie De Burca talks with Alexandra Steed, a landscape architect and author. Alexandra begins by discussing the significance of land ownership and its deep connections to wealth, power, race, and class. She highlights the concentration of land ownership in the hands of a few, like Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, who hold more land than entire indigenous nations, and how this contributes to ongoing inequality and environmental degradation.
The conversation explores the idea of “humble governance,” advocating for a shift in mindset to recognise humanity’s dependence on the Earth’s natural systems and the need to manage land with humility and respect. Alexandra suggests that individuals can contribute to environmental change by becoming more informed, advocating for nature, supporting sustainable agricultural practices, and protecting local ecosystems.
Jackie and Alexandra also touch on international examples, such as Bhutan’s “green schools” initiative and Alula in Saudi Arabia, showing how integrating nature into education and development can be successful. The episode ends with a call to action, emphasising that everyone can play a role in fostering a sustainable future, no matter how small their actions may seem.
“Alexandra Steed offers a compelling, well-researched and passionate argument for securing a future for life on earth – by making a fundamental shift in our relationship to nature, from a selfie-oriented portrait perspective to a more all-encompassing landscape perspective.”
About Portrait to Landscape: A Landscape Strategy to Reframe Our Future:
Portrait to Landscape: A Landscape Strategy to Reframe Our Future is a ground-breaking work authored by a renowned landscape architect. It challenges us to fundamentally alter our relationship with the natural world, presenting a holistic approach to healing the earth by addressing both symptoms and underlying causes of environmental degradation.
Using the metaphor of a narrow, self-focused portrait versus a wide-angle landscape view, the book sheds light on the profound impact of our limited perspective. It offers practical strategies for policymakers, activists, and individuals to protect and restore landscapes, emphasising collaboration and long-term stewardship.
This thought-provoking book inspires readers to re-evaluate their connection with nature and engage in the movement towards a more sustainable future, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of our place in the world and how we can inhabit it with integrity.
Click through to buy the book on Amazon.
About Alexandra Steed
Alexandra Steed, a passionate landscape architect and Fellow of the Landscape Institute (FLI) and the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), has a profound commitment to art, sustainability, and the transformative power of landscapes.
In 2013, she founded the London-based studio URBAN with the goal of bringing joy to people’s daily lives through landscape design that enhances beauty and fosters well-being. Steed actively advises and serves on expert panels for organisations such as the Design Council UK and the UK Government’s Office for Place.
As a lecturer at The Bartlett, UCL, she shares her knowledge and volunteers her time to support community place-making visions. Steed’s exceptional contributions to landscape architecture have garnered prestigious awards, including the WAFX Award for innovative global solutions and the LI Award for Excellence in Tackling Climate Change.
Additionally, she was shortlisted for the Sir David Attenborough Award, highlighting her dedication to preserving and enhancing biodiversity and ecosystems. She is the author of the ground-breaking book “Portrait to Landscape: A Landscape Strategy to Reframe Our Future.”
